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Ortom’s aide threatens N2bn lawsuit against Senate aspirant spokesman for defamation

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By Sunny Green

Prince Yemi Itodo, the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has threatened to file a N2 billion suit against the spokesperson of Hon. Hassan Saleh Campaign Organization, Cletus Agada for defamation.

The threat was contained in a demand letter by his legal team, Pathfind Attorneys, dated 8th April, 2022 and addressed to Cletus Agada.

In the letter which was signed by the Senior Partner, Precious Aire, Esq, the law firm cited how Agada defamed their client in a widely published write up on Facebook Friday, 8th April, 2022.

The letter read inter alia: “In the aforesaid write up bearing the photograph of our client, you made false and unsubstantiated defamatory statements against his person in the following words:

“From Hon. Prince Onuh to Gov. Samuel Ortom and Hon. Francis Ottah Agbo, Prince Yemi Itodo is a criminal and serial blackmailer and cyber thug that has elevated blackmail to a trade and even have apprentice in his “workshop”.

“Unfortunately for him this time, Hon. Hassan Anthony Saleh whom he’s trying to open an office on his head, has no intention of inviting him for “settlement” or patronage”.

“But for the fact that he’s shameless, I would have said it will be a big shame if Yemi does not resign his membership of the PDP when Hon. Saleh is cleared for the primaries”.

The law firm submitted that Agada’s “false, libellous, malicious, and defamatory statements” have and continue to damage the hard-earned reputation of their client who had already built a sound reputation over the years as a successful investigative journalist, businessman cum politician.

It therefore, demanded a retraction of the defamatory statements published on Facebook, in addition to an unreserved written apology to their client through the law firm’s office and publication of same in three National Newspapers to wit; The Nation, Leadership and Blueprint.

It added that failure of the defamer to comply with the demands within 72 hours will leave them with no choice than to seek legal redress in court “where we shall be claiming damages in the sum of N2,000,000,000 (Two Billion Naira) on behalf of our client”.

Meanwhile, Comrade Yemi Itodo has opened up on why he threatened to go legal on the defamatory comments made against him by Cletus Agada of the Hassan Anthony Saleh Campaign Organization.

Itodo in a statement in Abuja Saturday, said the defamer elated to malign his person and ascribed “unprintable names” to him.

“In the said publication made via the instrumentality of social media, which is regarded as agent of multimedia as captioned in section 22 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended; the Media Aide and official spokesman of Hon. Saleh, an aspirant for Senate of Benue South under the PDP, labeled me as a “criminal”, “serial blackmailer” and “cyber thug”, he stated.

He pointed out that “there was no prior acrimony between me and the said Media Aide to Hon. Hassan Saleh, saved for the trending discourse on the social space, wherefore, his Principal posted his resignation letter as an SLA to the Speaker of House of Representatives. The former 2 terms Reps Member’s post got public attention and the youth and PDP members in Benue South started asking if it was right for him to have held unto an appointment with an APC government, only for him to have resigned one month to PDP primaries, to seek a senatorial ticket of the umbrella party.

“Permit me to also place emphasis on the fact that, I neither joined in the commentary, nor made any post on my wall in support or against the topic. To my greatest surprise, the boy went and posted one long epistle on Thursday morning, tagging and trying to rubbish the appointment given to me by His Excellency, Governor Samuel Ortom. I went to his wall and pleaded that he untag me and also leave Governor out of the discourse. He never listened.”

Itodo added: “Aside the publication, I have also received plenty threats from family members and associates of the aspirant. One Saleh Ododo’s message of threat which he made openly, and other recorded calls are being scrutinized by the agents of State, as we speak.”

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Personality

GBC-Reanda climbs up the ladder in Accounting firms’ rating in Nigeria

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Mrs Abimbola Alao ACA Manager, Audit&Assurance, Mr Ayoade Apelegan ACA, Manager, Consulting, Mrs Damilola Akindele ACA, Principal Manager, Sir Gbenga Badejo FCA ,KJW Managing Partner and Mr Emmanuel Ogiaga FCA , Engagement Partner,GBC-Reanda International.

The prestigious International Accounting Bulletin (AIB) in its recent 2024 Country Survey of Accounting firms in Nigeria has rated GBC-Reanda as the 11th local Accounting firm in Nigeria.

In its previous year’s rating, the organization was ranked 16th. This year’s improved ranking is a demostration of GBC-Reanda’s steadfast dedication to providing outstanding services and exceeding client expectations.

Mrs Damilola Akindele ACA, Principal Manager, Mr Emmanuel Ogiaga FCA , Engagement Partner, Sir Gbenga Badejo FCA ,KJW Managing Partner and
Mrs Abimbola Alao ACA Manager, Audit&Assurance, GBC-Reanda International.


The ranking process started with the Bulletin’s invitation of Accounting firms in Nigeria to present their organizations and evidence of their compliance with best global practice in Accounting profession an assessment which was in conformity with IAB World Survey data.

According to the publication “We are delighted to share that your firm climbed up to rank 11th in Nigeria, according to the 2024 Nigeria Survey of IAB. Congratulations”

GBC, now GBC-Reanda International, was established in 1996 and has continued to provide qualitative value added services to its diverse, ever growing clientele in different sectors of the economy. The firm is endowed with highly competent and experienced professionals with a wide exposure to all aspects of Accounting, Financial Management and General Business Administration.

According to Managing Pattner of the firm, Sir Gbenga Badejo, FCA, KJW, “we are a composite one stop professional & consulting firm providing Professional Services, Business Consulting & Financial Advisory Services to clients in various sectors of the economy. The firm is principally driven by sound professional and business principles geared towards providing value added services through highly experienced and well-trained professionals.”

He revealed that in the firm’s over 28 years of existence, over 250 Accounting Professionals have been trained, who are all out in various Sectors to add value within the Consulting and Accounting chain of the Global economy.

Sir Gbenga Badejo sees a better future of impact and value in the organization’s continuous drive towards professional excellence.

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Senator Karimi tackles chief Whip, Ndume over derogatory statements against Tinubu’s Government

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Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West in the Senate has called out Chief Whip of the Senate, Ali Ndume cautioning him to refrain from making derogatory statements against the Tinubu government.
Senator Karimi in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, expressed concern over Senator Ndume’s behavior, likening it to that of a loose cannon and emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue and criticism in governance.

Ndume had previous week indicated thst President Bola Tinubu is not aware that many Nigerians are hungry.
Mr Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, claimed that President Tinubu has been “caged” in the Presidential Villa and that some forces are preventing well meaning people from physically discussing the truth with him.

Continuing, Senator Karimi highlighted that most of Senator Ndume’s criticisms of the Tinubu administration appear to stem from a personal agenda to undermine the government at all costs.
He pointed out the inconsistency in Senator Ndume’s approach, noting that he had been notably silent during the previous administration led by President Buhari from the North.

Furthermore, Senator Karimi emphasized that many of Senator Ndume’s allegations lack substantiated evidence and are driven by a “pull-down syndrome” rather than a genuine commitment to improving governance. As an experienced legislator with over two decades of service in the National Assembly, Senator Ndume is urged to exercise caution in his statements and avoid making inflammatory remarks that could further polarize the polity and divide the nation.

Karimi’s call for Senator Ndume to adopt a more constructive and responsible approach to criticism serves as a reminder of the importance of engaging in meaningful dialogue and fostering unity in the pursuit of national development. It is essential for all stakeholders in governance to prioritize the collective interests of the nation above personal agenda and political vendetta.

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Musawa Celebrates Professor Wole Soyinka at 90

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Wole Soyinka

***Lauss Tinubu for naming of National Theatre after him

Nigeria’s literary legend, Professor Wole Soyinka at his 90th birthday today has been idolized by the Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa as she joined Nigerians and the global community in celebrating him.
A statement by the special adviser on Media Nneka Ikem Anibeze quoted the Minister to have congratulated Professor Soyinka on this remarkable milestone and acknowledged his enduring legacy.

“I wish to extend our warmest congratulations to the Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka on his 90th birthday. His contributions to literature and culture have immensely impacted our nation and the world. His legacy continues to inspire generations, and we are honored to celebrate him today.

“This milestone is a testament to his remarkable life, dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in literature, culture, and the arts. Prof Soyinka’s contributions to Nigeria and the world are immeasurable. His writings have inspired generations, and his tireless advocacy for justice, equity, and human rights has left an indelible mark on our society.

“As we celebrate him today, we honor his legacy, creativity, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of our nation. His life’s work has been a beacon of hope, inspiring countless individuals to strive for greatness.
We are grateful for his inspiring life and legacy, and we look forward to many more years of wisdom, guidance, and inspiration”.

Musawa also expressed her excitement at the renaming of the National Theatre to the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and heartily welcomed the change to the beloved Nigerian cultural landmark.

“This renaming bears testament to the enduring legacy of Professor Wole Soyinka, whose contributions to literature and culture have immensely impacted our nation and the world as a whole.
“The National Theatre will continue to be an icon of creativity and a symbol of our rich cultural heritage”.

The renaming comes at an appropriate time, as the theatre gears up to reopen after undergoing extensive renovations by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)/Banker’s Committee to transform the Theatre into a world-class center of culture.

The General Manager of the National Theatre, Mrs. Adetola Akerele Alao acknowledged the significant contributions of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)/Banker’s Committee towards the renovations.

“The National Theatre has always been a cornerstone of Nigerian culture, cherished by generations. “Through engaging programming, and the transformation of this repository of cultural legacy into a reputable center of creativity and community, our goal is to revive that sense of awe and wonder. And under the public-private partnership with the CBN/Bankers Committee, we are confident of a sustainable cultural impact”.

In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, government is committed to promoting cultural education and entertainment infrastructure. The proposed Media City, modelled after the Dubai Media City, will provide state-of-the-art facilities for film production, conference centers, and performance spaces. Existing entertainment venues and stadia will be upgraded, and new ones constructed across the country.

“As we celebrate Professor Soyinka’s 90th birthday, we also announce the establishment of an animation hub to support young talents and attract global animation studios. This initiative will provide opportunities for collaboration and skill development in the creative sector”.

The renovations to the National Theatre commenced three years ago, marking a significant chapter in the preservation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has designated October 1st, 2024—Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary—as the date for the grand reopening of this iconic institution. The Theatre is scheduled to reopen with a spectacular array of world-class performances in the arts and an exclusive showcase of the National Art Collection. This momentous occasion promises to celebrate not only the rebirth of a cultural landmark but also the enduring spirit of Nigerian creativity and excellence.

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